Saugerties police dog, newly trained, aids in drug arrest

SAUGERTIES >> An investigation using the town’s police dog, Sarah, resulted in a drug arrest Thursday within a week of the dog’s graduation from K-9 Drug School, police said.

Elisa L. Williams, 44, of Saugerties, was arrested at 1:09 a.m. Thursday and charged with a felony count of tampering with physical evidence and two misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Sarah and her handler, Sgt. Michael Craft, graduated from K-9 Drug School on Oct. 18 and began patrolling on Monday, according to Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra. “We know we have drugs up here, and this is just another tool in our tool belt,” he said.

Williams was arrested at a traffic stop on Lafayette Street in the village after she was seen by officers driving her vehicles in circles, according to a press release.

Williams tried to destroy and hide physical evidence, but a search of the area surrounding her vehicle found crack cocaine, police said,Williams was released on her own recognizance with tickets to appear to Saugerties Town Court.